Integrated Planning Grants

Integrated Planning Grants are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Toxics Cleanup Program as part of the broader Remedial Action Grant and Loan Program established under the Model Toxics Control Act. The program is designed to assist local governments in addressing contaminated properties, commonly referred to as brownfields, which are often underutilized or abandoned due to environmental concerns. These grants support early-stage planning activities that enable communities to better understand contamination conditions and evaluate redevelopment opportunities. The primary purpose of the Integrated Planning Grant is to fund the development of a comprehensive and coordinated plan for cleanup and redevelopment. This includes assessing environmental conditions and integrating planning processes that consider regulatory, financial, and community factors. By supporting this early analysis, the program aims to reduce uncertainty related to contamination and help local governments make informed decisions about acquiring, remediating, and reusing impacted properties. The program is particularly focused on enabling redevelopment that aligns with community goals and environmental standards. Funding under this program may cover a wide range of eligible planning and assessment activities. These include environmental site assessments, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, health assessments, land use and regulatory analysis, and infrastructure evaluations. Additional activities such as community engagement, economic and fiscal analysis, and environmental reviews under state law are also eligible. The grant can fund up to 100 percent of eligible project costs, reducing financial barriers for local governments undertaking complex redevelopment planning efforts. Eligibility for the Integrated Planning Grant is limited to local governments that either own or are considering acquiring contaminated properties. Applicants must demonstrate an ownership interest or intent to acquire the property and must have or be able to obtain access necessary to complete the project. Projects must not be required under an enforcement order or decree and must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in state regulations. The program is structured to ensure that funds are directed toward projects that are ready to proceed and that align with state environmental cleanup priorities. The application process is conducted through the Washington State Department of Ecology’s online grant management system, and applicants are typically invited to apply during specific funding solicitations that occur within a biennial cycle. These solicitations are dependent on legislative appropriations and funding availability. For the 2023–2025 biennium, applications were solicited in early 2022, and future cycles are expected to follow a similar biennial pattern. However, due to limited funding, the program is not being offered during the 2025–2027 biennium, and applications are not currently being accepted. Applications were evaluated based on criteria such as environmental impact, community benefit, readiness to proceed, and redevelopment potential. Projects were scored and ranked to determine funding priority. Award amounts were capped at $200,000 for a single site and $300,000 for projects involving multiple sites within a study area. The total funding available for the program cycle was approximately $1,600,000. Awards were made on a competitive basis, and successful applicants entered into grant agreements outlining scope, budget, and performance expectations. The grant period and implementation timeline are defined within each grant agreement, and recipients are responsible for completing planning activities, submitting progress reports, and complying with administrative and financial requirements. While the program historically operates on a recurring biennial cycle, the absence of funding for the current biennium indicates uncertainty about immediate future availability. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor future announcements from the Department of Ecology and consult program staff for guidance on potential eligibility and project readiness.

Ensure project readiness including site access, defined scope, and alignment with redevelopment goals; demonstrate community and environmental benefits